From July 9th, “Sorrentino Summer” begins in Ukraine – a retrospective of films by one of the most outstanding contemporary European directors, Oscar winner Paolo Sorrentino. Sorrentino, with his sensitive, extraordinarily beautiful style, is called the heir to Fellini, and we will tell you about three films that capture the atmosphere of Italian chic and are worth rewatching.
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“The Great Beauty”
Sorrentino’s most acclaimed film, which earned him an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. “The Great Beauty” transports us to a lavish, hot, languid Rome. The protagonist is Jep, a seasoned journalist who has long been an integral part of the city’s bohemian life. His existence is filled with parties, opulent events, and constant encounters, yet behind this facade of glamour lies a profound emptiness that relentlessly troubles him. At 65, he begins to ponder – is it all worth it, and why has he grown so weary of the world around him… Perhaps it is “The Great Beauty” that truly illuminates why Sorrentino is regarded as a successor to the legendary Federico Fellini.
“Youth”
This is the director’s second English-language production, featuring a constellation of top-tier Hollywood and European stars: Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano, and Jane Fonda. It chronicles the half-century friendship of two artists spending time at an Alpine resort. Fred, a renowned composer and conductor, has retired from his career and is openly bored during his vacation. His companion, Mick, a celebrated director, is conversely striving to capture inspiration, diligently working on the script for his upcoming cinematic manifesto. For half a century, they have shared their deepest thoughts, satirized their own aging, and never ceased to marvel at the ever-changing world around them.
“Parthenope”
The retrospective concludes with the film “Grace” (2025), but for a summer mood, we recommend rewatching “Parthenope” (2024). “Parthenope” is a love letter to Naples, with costumes designed by the House of Saint Laurent. In “Parthenope,” which begins in the 1950s, the beautiful Parthenope is born into a wealthy family that owns a stunningly luxurious villa by the sea. Parthenope is breathtakingly beautiful, but this does not bring her happiness. Furthermore, this film serves as an almost ready-made fashion capsule for those planning a seaside summer, with swimsuits and a couple of alluring dresses being essential wardrobe pieces. Among the most striking ensembles are Parthenope’s silver dress adorned with crystals; a black satin evening gown with a deep décolletage and a thigh-high slit, paired with a brown faux fur coat; and a suit encrusted with precious stones.